Understanding lung fibrosis progression through blood tests and monitoring

Plain-English translation of NCT06855329 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This is a research study that will follow 500 people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis—a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff—over two years. Researchers will collect detailed health information, imaging scans, and blood samples to understand how the disease progresses and to test whether new blood biomarkers can predict which patients will experience faster lung decline.

Right now, doctors struggle to predict which patients with lung fibrosis will decline quickly and need urgent treatment or transplant. This study aims to find better ways—through blood tests and careful monitoring—to identify patients at highest risk so they can be treated sooner.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with progressive lung fibrosis (non-IPF type) such as connective tissue disease-related lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or another type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
your lung fibrosis diagnosis was made within the last five years
you are willing to attend study visits and provide blood samples over 24 months
you can complete breathing tests at the start of the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very mild lung fibrosis affecting less than 5% of your lungs
you have more emphysema (lung damage from smoking) than fibrosis
you have had cancer within the past year (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)
you are currently taking nintedanib or other investigational drugs for lung fibrosis
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study

What participation looks like

You will visit the research clinic at baseline and then at set intervals over 24 months. At each visit, you'll have breathing tests, chest imaging if needed, and blood samples collected. Between visits, researchers will track your health and ask about any changes in your symptoms. There is no study drug to take—this is purely an observation and monitoring study to help doctors better understand your condition.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(13 sites)

United States

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington